Cheri Kelley Obituary

Cheri Lee Kelley

Oct 20, 1944 - Sep 27, 2025

Norwalk

Cheri found joy in the simple pleasures, including years of camping trips and boating adventures that brought her closer to nature and her family. These experiences were followed by summer days spent at Kelley's Island, where she loved riding around on golf carts in search of deer. She also cherished Sunday car rides with her husband and cheering on the Cleveland Guardians. Her warmth and wit made every gathering brighter, and her presence was the heart of her home.

Throughout her life, her professional journey included time at Norwalk Truck Lines, The Beehive, Lord's Department Store, JC Penney's, and Northern Ohio Truck Center (formerly McCoy's Trucking). Cheri brought kindness, reliability, and a strong work ethic to every role she held.

Cheri's dedication to service extended far beyond her home and workplace. She was honored as Lion's Club Woman of the Year in the 1980s. She also gave her time and energy to the LOGOS program at the Methodist church, a weekly intergenerational initiative. Cheri's involvement reflected her commitment to building relationships, encouraging others, and creating a welcoming space for all ages.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Lila Palmer; father, Albert Walz; stepmother, Betty Ann Walz; brother, Ernie Palmer; brother-in-law, Richard Kelley; son, Jim Kelley; and grandson, Jason Kelley.

Cheri is survived by her devoted husband of over 50 years, J.W. Kelley of Norwalk. She leaves behind children, Jeff Kelley (Jackie) of Norwalk, Kathy Ott (Joe) of Norwalk, John Kelley (Carmen) of Norwalk, and Terri Kelley Rood of Cincinnati.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Kirsten Cring (Travis), Alaina Neuberger (Matt), Claire Brown (Wyatt), Richard Ott (Bethany), Dustin Kelley, Luke Kelley (Makilee Ball), Mark Kelley (Gulten), Emanuel Agache (Devin), and Kaitlyn Craig (Josh); and her great-grandchildren, Declan Cring, James, Everly, Isaac, Isabelle Ott, Aunalee Kelley, Asher Kelley, and Enric Agache.

Cheri's memory will live on in the stories shared, the traditions upheld, and the hearts of those who loved her.

Calling hours will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Walker Eastman Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St., Norwalk. Funeral services will be Friday, October 3, 2025, at West Hartland Church, 1401 Zenobia Rd., Norwalk. Visitation begins again at 10 a.m. Friday, with funeral service starting at 11 a.m. followed by burial and a luncheon.

The family invites donations to Stein Hospice of Sandusky or Lion's Club Chapter, Norwalk.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting: www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com